Gertler, now a specialist in military aviation at CRS, was already an expert in defense policy, procurement and congressional issues when he joined AIA in 2006. At the trade group he handled policy issues relating to the defense budget, industrial base, military aviation and research and development.

Prior to AIA, Gertler had more than 20 years experience in academia, the Pentagon and Capitol Hill — including time as a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies where he was lead analyst on missile defense and base closure issues. Gertler also was a staffer on the House Armed Services Committee where he worked on the military procurement and missile defense budgets.

A 2003 graduate with distinction from the Naval War College, Gertler also has degrees from Amherst Colle and George Washington University.

For the record, when contacted by 4G War last week Gertler said he was going back to government service but couldn’t say where until his new employers made the announcement. “But it’s going to be a lot of fun,” he added. He confirmed his new job will be at CRS Nov. 24.